If South Dakota knows one thing (aside from how to build world-famous landmarks and how to be "Midwest nice"), it is food, which is demonstrated by our many delicious restaurants! In order to help you sample the best in SoDak cuisine, we have carefully curated this list of 12 bucket list-worthy South Dakota restaurants that you absolutely must try this year:
January: Hat Creek Grill (Edgemont)
During these cold winter months, nothing beats a warm, home-cooked meal, which is exactly what you will find at the Hat Creek Grill! Located in Edgemont, the Hat Creek Grill is THE place to be for breakfast favorites, BBQ, and burgers. What more could you want? Visit the Hat Creek Grill Facebook page for details such as hours and menu specials.
February: Grey Goose Store & Social Club (Pierre)
February is the month of love, and nothing says love quite like a perfect cut of prime rib, which is where the surprising Grey Goose Store & Social Club comes in. Hiding away in an unexpected gas station, the Grey Goose Store & Social Club is Pierre's go-to for not only prime rib but also mouthwatering Mexican fare and hearty sandwiches. You can find the Grey Goose Store on Facebook and get all the current information to help plan your visit.
March: Alpine Inn (Hill City)
Too often, the words "old" and "food" do not go together unless, of course, you are referring to the historic Alpine Inn. Built in 1886, the Alpine Inn is a duo hotel and restaurant specializing in charming accommodations and delicious German fare (AKA the food of our ancestors). Dining here is a bucket list worthy experience. More information on the Alpine Inn can be found on their website.
April: Falls Overlook Cafe (Sioux Falls)
Flowers are beginning to bloom, and cherry blossoms are starting to make their first appearance of the season, so it is time to get over to Falls Park and its laid-back Falls Overlook Cafe! While you can always grab and go, we recommend enjoying lunch at the Cafe, which overlooks the surrounding Falls and foliage. Follow the Falls Overlook Cafe Facebook page for more details and any updates.
May: Purple Pie Place (Deadwood)
It has been several long months since your last Purple Pie Place fix, and it is FINALLY open again for the season. Need we say more? The Purple Pie Place website has their menu and hours so you don't miss your chance to indulge in one of the best milk shakes in South Dakota!
June: Boom's Drive-In (Platte)
Is it just us, or does drive-in food taste even better in the summer? If you, too, crave a perfect burger, fries, and ice cream, you have to make a trip to Boom's for can't-beat drive-in fare! Check out the Boom's Drive-In Facebook page for more information.
July: Tastee Treat (Yankton)
What is the best way to cool off during a hot Mount Rushmore State summer? With ice cream cones, sundaes, and shakes, of course! That being said, we will meet you at the downright tasty Tastee Treat.
August: Millstone Family Restaurant (Multiple Locations)
Traditions are important, and one of my family's favorites is sharing a meal before another school year begins. Where do you go to make these memories? The aptly-named Millstone Family Restaurant, of course, which has a giant, made-from-scratch menu that is guaranteed to please everyone in the family. Don't miss out on all the delicious food and events at this South Dakota restaurant when you follow the Millstone Family Restaurants Facebook page.
September: Marlin's Family Restaurant (Multiple Locations)
Speaking of aptly-named restaurants, Marlin's Family Restaurant is another family favorite that we cannot recommend enough! Boasting 1950's diner decor, Marlin's may be as fun as it is delicious (I mean, you are seeing this spread, right?).
October: Latchstring Inn (Lead)
The leaves are changing, which can only mean one thing... it is time to hike to your favorite waterfalls (Spearfish and Roughlock) and then grab a meal from the Latchstring Inn! Psst... If you want a suggestion, we think you should hike the short and super-sweet .75-mile-long trail to Spearfish Falls, indulge in an incredible meal at the Latchstring, and then head back out to the .9-mile Roughlock Falls trail.
November: Corner Diner (Clark)
It's the night before Thanksgiving, and you don't want to cook, so why not treat your family to the Corner Diner? Family-owned and operated, the Corner Diner is a Clark staple that specializes in all of your favorites, including the pictured fried chicken dinner. Check out The Corner Diner's Facebook page for hours and daily specials.
December: Big Fella's (Aberdeen)
Since calories don't count during the holiday season, what better time to indulge in a Big Fella's burger, steak, or prime rib? Enjoy! They're only open certain days of the week, so be sure to check out the Big Fella's Facebook page when planning your visit.
Have you been to any of these South Dakota restaurants? Would you agree they are bucket list worthy? Let us know in the comment section. We would love to hear from you.
For even more SoDak fun, check out Take A Weekend To Wine, Dine, And Explore The Hub City Of South Dakota.
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